Bahamas News
10-14-04, - 12:33 AM
Road work bid due Oct. 21
By TAMARA McKENZIE,
Nassau Guardian
http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/news/roadwork.jpg
October 21 is the closing date for tenders to the Ministry of Works so work on the New Providence Road Improvement Project can resume. The project has been at a standstill for almost two years.
Since being stopped on Nov. 15, 2002, motorists are frustrated because many roads which underwent repairs under the Project, are now eroding, due to incompletion. The Ministry of Works has outlined a series of requirements in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank [IDB] in an effort to have the project re-stared, and the reconstruction of Harrold Road has been removed from the project.
The initial date of Aug. 24 was set to allow the sole bidder, Argentinean Jose Cartellone, to present his bid. However, The Guardian learned on Tuesday that the bidding date has been extended to Oct. 21.
"This tendering period with the present bidder, Jose Cartellone, is drawing to a close, and we've been in constant discussions with him during the tender period," said the Director at the Ministry of Works, Colin Marshall. Mr Cartellone's firm was the only company that met pre-qualification requirements.
Mr Marshall told The Guardian that following the submission of tenders, a review would be carried out to decide which bid is acceptable to the government, but added he could not state when actual works would resume.
"We will wait until we get the tender first, and then we will take it from there. If it's reasonable and a fair price, then obviously that would increase the chance of resumption," he said.
Meanwhile, giving an update on the $5,716,710.20 Harrold Road project, Mr Marshall said the first layer of asphalt paving has commenced between Bethel Avenue and the Yellow Elder Round about. He said when this area is completed, workmen will begin paving the westbound lanes and transfer traffic to the north carriageway.
In regard to challenges faced throughout the project, Mr Marshall said there have only been "minor hiccups" with construction equipment. He added, however, that they had had "teething problems" which have since been overcome. "All equipment is running smoothly and I think everything is going to specification according to the programme. We are also closely supervising the work with our combined team of Ministry of Works personnel and some assistance from expatriate workers as well."
Mr Marshall also said he is aware of the disruption that may be caused to some businesses on Harrold Road as a result of Water and Sewerage Corporation trenching . He explained that the Corporation is laying a new watermain, which is bound to cause minor disruptions. He advised that the trenches are kept open for a "short while" and the Ministry of Works tries to minimise the time spent working in front of businesses.
"I think we have done our best to minimise disruption," he said, adding that the completion of Harrold Road remains on schedule for completion early next year, and all work is up to date.
By TAMARA McKENZIE,
Nassau Guardian
http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/news/roadwork.jpg
October 21 is the closing date for tenders to the Ministry of Works so work on the New Providence Road Improvement Project can resume. The project has been at a standstill for almost two years.
Since being stopped on Nov. 15, 2002, motorists are frustrated because many roads which underwent repairs under the Project, are now eroding, due to incompletion. The Ministry of Works has outlined a series of requirements in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank [IDB] in an effort to have the project re-stared, and the reconstruction of Harrold Road has been removed from the project.
The initial date of Aug. 24 was set to allow the sole bidder, Argentinean Jose Cartellone, to present his bid. However, The Guardian learned on Tuesday that the bidding date has been extended to Oct. 21.
"This tendering period with the present bidder, Jose Cartellone, is drawing to a close, and we've been in constant discussions with him during the tender period," said the Director at the Ministry of Works, Colin Marshall. Mr Cartellone's firm was the only company that met pre-qualification requirements.
Mr Marshall told The Guardian that following the submission of tenders, a review would be carried out to decide which bid is acceptable to the government, but added he could not state when actual works would resume.
"We will wait until we get the tender first, and then we will take it from there. If it's reasonable and a fair price, then obviously that would increase the chance of resumption," he said.
Meanwhile, giving an update on the $5,716,710.20 Harrold Road project, Mr Marshall said the first layer of asphalt paving has commenced between Bethel Avenue and the Yellow Elder Round about. He said when this area is completed, workmen will begin paving the westbound lanes and transfer traffic to the north carriageway.
In regard to challenges faced throughout the project, Mr Marshall said there have only been "minor hiccups" with construction equipment. He added, however, that they had had "teething problems" which have since been overcome. "All equipment is running smoothly and I think everything is going to specification according to the programme. We are also closely supervising the work with our combined team of Ministry of Works personnel and some assistance from expatriate workers as well."
Mr Marshall also said he is aware of the disruption that may be caused to some businesses on Harrold Road as a result of Water and Sewerage Corporation trenching . He explained that the Corporation is laying a new watermain, which is bound to cause minor disruptions. He advised that the trenches are kept open for a "short while" and the Ministry of Works tries to minimise the time spent working in front of businesses.
"I think we have done our best to minimise disruption," he said, adding that the completion of Harrold Road remains on schedule for completion early next year, and all work is up to date.